Investigating Alternative Therapies for Long COVID

As we face the continuous difficulties of Long COVID, a syndrome characterized by persistent symptoms after recovering from a COVID-19 infection, the search for new treatments persists. Recent research provides encouraging findings about the efficacy of both non-prescription substances and prescribed drugs as viable treatments. While there is no prescription based treatment for long COVID there are vitamins and supplements that are available that may help with treating long COVID and its clinical outcome.  Below I summarize in a paragraph 4 research papers which use some of the OTC supplements and two prescription based treatments that show some promise for treating long COVID as described in the journal articles. The reason for writing this blog post is to spread awareness and empower you to use the resources available to help improve your health outcome. As always consult your healthcare provider for more information and treatment options.

Supplements in the Spotlight for treating Long COVID:

The importance of Vitamin D and zinc was emphasized in a study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology. Deficits in these essential nutrients were associated with extended inflammation and delayed recovery in individuals with Long COVID. Therefore, the use of Vitamin D and zinc as supplements could potentially provide a therapeutic approach to reduce symptoms associated with Long COVID. These two supplements were also linked early on to people having a more severe COVID-19 outcome if they were deficient in these two vitamins.
Journal Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0946672X23001542

The Lancet Infectious Diseases reported research that examined the efficacy of a synbiotic preparation (SIM01) in treating post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. This intervention shown efficacy in alleviating diverse symptoms, such as exhaustion and cognitive impairments, indicating a possible function for manipulating the gut flora in the treatment of Long COVID. The study did take place in Hong Kong, so it is possible that diet and cultural outcomes are different than those of people living in the USA, which may or may not play a part in the study outcome. However, this is one of the first studies in regards to long COVID that shows that the gut microbiome may play a role in long COVID outcomes. The gut microbiome has been shown to have an effect on other diseases, so it is plausible especially in the case of a clinically controlled study that this may be a future treatment option for long COVID.
Journal Link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(23)00685-0/fulltext

The clinical report titled "Clinical experience with the α2A-adrenoceptor agonist guanfacine and N-acetylcysteine for the treatment of cognitive deficits in 'Long-COVID19'" investigates the potential therapeutic application of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in addressing cognitive impairments in individuals with Long COVID. The study examines the synergistic effects of combining N-acetylcysteine (NAC) with guanfacine, emphasizing the advantageous properties of NAC as an antioxidant that safeguards mitochondria and mitigates inflammation. The utilization of this combined treatment has been discovered to enhance cognitive capacities in individuals suffering from Long COVID, particularly by improving working memory, concentration, and executive functions. Research indicates that N-acetylcysteine (NAC), in combination with guanfacine, can effectively cure long-lasting cognitive impairments that occur after contracting COVID-19. This finding presents a promising therapeutic strategy for controlling symptoms associated with Long COVID.
Journal Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667257X22001000

Emerging options in the realm of prescription medications:

Although supplements display potential, specific prescription medications are also emerging as potential treatments, these can be prescribed by a primary care physicianor Nurse practitioner, if it's found the patient meets the criteria for these drugs:

Metformin, commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, has demonstrated promise in relieving Long COVID symptoms by virtue of its anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Journal Link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(23)00299-2/fulltext

Guanfacine, a drug commonly prescribed for ADHD, has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing cognitive abilities impaired by Long COVID.
Journal Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667257X22001000

It is crucial to acknowledge that although these supplements and pharmaceuticals provide optimism, they should be regarded as components of a comprehensive treatment regimen under the guidance of medical professionals. While we anticipate additional medication choices, these substitutes offer a ray of hope for individuals grappling with the enduring consequences of COVID-19.

Disclaimer: This blog post serves solely as a source of information and should not be considered a substitute for expert medical guidance. Prior to commencing any new treatment regimen, it is imperative to get guidance from healthcare professionals.

Here are some of the products that may be used as vitamins/supplements used in treating long COVID symptoms and their amazon or weblinks:
(I am not affiliated with these products/companies)

Probiotic (while this is not SIM01, it does contain some of the probiotic strains mentioned in SIM01) :
https://www.amazon.com/Stonehenge-Health-Lactobacillus-Acidophilus-Vegetarian/dp/B07FP2BQM6

NAC:
https://www.nutrivitashop.com/n-acetyl-l-cysteine-powder-nac-pharmaceutical-usp-100-pure/
https://a.co/d/i0aan5i

Zinc Picolinate (the best absorbing type of zinc) :
https://a.co/d/1yMdMTv

Vitamin D3:
https://a.co/d/91V40lK

Prescription treatments:
Guanfacine (Oral)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/guanfacine-oral-route/description/drg-20064131

Metformin (Oral
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/metformin-oral-route/description/drg-20067074

To access more comprehensive information regarding these research and treatments, please see the corresponding articles :

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(23)00685-0/fulltext
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667257X22001000
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0946672X23001542
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(23)00299-2/fulltext

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